The development stages of the energy internet include

The Energy Internet has evolved through four main stages: decentralized, centralized, distributed, and intelligent fully connected systems, culminating in the modern Energy Internet integrating ICT and renewable energy. 1.

Decentralized Power Systems

The earliest stage of electricity systems was decentralized, where local generation served nearby consumers. Power plants were small, isolated, and often independent, with limited coordination or long-distance transmission. This stage focused on basic electrification and local energy supply without advanced communication or control technologies.

2.

Centralized Power Systems

With industrialization, centralized systems emerged, characterized by large-scale power plants supplying electricity over wide areas. Centralized control allowed for more efficient generation and distribution, but the system was rigid, with limited flexibility to integrate new energy sources or respond to dynamic demand. 3.

Distributed Power Systems

The distributed system stage introduced smaller, geographically dispersed generation units, including renewable energy sources. This stage emphasized integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) and improved reliability. Information and communication technologies (ICT) began to play a role in monitoring and managing energy flows, laying the groundwork for intelligent energy management.

4. Intelligent and Fully Connected Systems (Energy Internet)The current stage, often associated with Industry 4. 0, represents the Energy Internet or Smart Grid 2.

0. Key features include: Integration of ICT: Cloud computing, IoT, big data analytics, and mobile Internet enable real-time monitoring, predictive management, and optimization of energy generation, distribution, and consumption. Energy Routers (ERs): Devices analogous to communication routers, directing energy flows efficiently across the network.

Prosumers and Virtual Power Plants: Consumers can also generate and store energy, contributing to a dynamic, bidirectional energy flow.

Cyber-

Physical System: The Energy Internet combines physical energy infrastructure with digital networks, enabling intelligent decision-making, improved energy efficiency, and reduced operational costs. Global Deployment and Policy Support: Initiatives like China's 14th Five-Year Plan and Germany's E-Energy project promote low-carbon, ICT-enabled energy systems, emphasizing renewable integration and carbon neutrality.

Future Prospects

The Energy Internet is expected to expand with more than 800 million intelligent devices globally, collecting real-time data at short intervals to optimize energy management. Challenges include cybersecurity, standardization, and large-scale integration of renewable energy sources. The ultimate goal is a clean, low-carbon, safe, and efficient energy system that seamlessly integrates generation, transmission, distribution, and consumption through advanced ICT networks.